Blog - Articles, News and Thoughts by Sue Blackwell
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Jen’s summer months – in her own words
Art of the Possible, Carers, in her words, Inclusion, Jen, Learning Disability, Living life, family life, inclusion matters, living life with learning disabilityI hope you had a lovely summer. I did. I’m loving my life, just being me. I’m having a blast! The July community showcase of my charity DanceSyndrome was just amazing. All my dancers were together in one space. Everyone shone in ...
Lifetime Achievement Award
Art of the Possible, Awards, Thinking Differently, best business women awards, social equity, social justiceWith synapses zapping, buzzing, and fizzing all week, perhaps I might be forgiven for indulging in a tingling sensation of pride. It is incredibly special to be determined the most worthy recipient from amongst notable others of the Li...
Sharing and impacting in Europe
Art of the Possible, Inclusion, Jen, Learning Disability, Opportunity, Thinking Differently, EAMHID, empower, inclusion, inclusion in action, learning disability, the power of danceWe’ve just returned back to the UK buoyed up by a fabulous experience at #EAMHID25 in Ghent where Jen and the DanceSyndrome dancers made a significant contribution. Not only did they have an opportunity to deliver a solicited symposium...
Inclusion Awareness Week – Now is the time
Art of the Possible, Inclusion, Opportunity, Thinking Differently, inclusion, inclusion matters, thinking differentlyInclusion rocks! Inclusion is key to happiness. Most of us have experienced exclusion at some time in our lives. Just imagine if that was the norm, if you were routinely left out. How would you feel? What would you have to live for? Why ...
A ‘service user’ summer
Art of the Possible, Carers, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently, carers, holiday, learning disability, thinking differentlyHow was it for you? Your summer holiday that is. Hopefully you’re restored, refreshed, relaxed, reinvigorated. It’s important isn’t it. That break we all value so much, plan ahead of time, secure the dates in the work calenda...
In Jen’s own words
Art of the Possible, in her words, Learning Disability, Living life, Jen BlackwellI always wanted to be a dancer. I’ve always danced. It’s in my blood. Dance is how I communicate best. I’m Jen and I’m a dancer. I am co-founder and director of my charity DanceSyndrome. I’m also proud to be a NAPA Ambassador h...
Dear Parent
Art of the Possible, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently, Do you see me, intellectual disability, learning disability, parentingIf you don’t have a child with learning disabilities, please read on to understand more. This is our reality. If like me you do have an offspring with learning disabilities you’ll experience life very differently to the rest of soc...
Do you see me and my vulnerabilities
Art of the Possible, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking DifferentlyI’m always mindful when writing as a carer of 43 years that I’ve had it relatively easy. Jen has been blessed with good health, so our challenges have mostly been intellectually, socially and emotionally focused. The lot of a carer...
We have no idea what’s possible
Art of the Possible, Learning Disability, Living life, artofthepossible, down's syndrome, it takes a village, learning disability, the power of dance30 years ago, May 1995, Jen aged 13 lay on a blanket under the pear tree in the garden whilst we planted an orchard. She was incapable of doing anything else. Jen had already been receiving medical intervention for 3 weeks. 1 day lat...
Inclusion in Practice
Art of the Possible, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently, education, inclusion, SEND“Inclusive education is a national priority—and a shared responsibility.” says Tom Rees, Chair of the DfE’s Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion. We agree! We’ve submitted the following to the enquiry, and have offered our support to ...
This Down Syndrome Awareness Week 2025
Conversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, art of the possible, down's syndrome, inclusion, learning disability, opportunity, social justice, working togetherSpot the dancers a mile off! A meeting of hearts and minds through dance, sparkles, smiles, two honorary Doctors of Arts from the University of Salford in 2024 communicate through their shared passion. From the moment we arrived at the p...
Support must be fit for purpose – begin by listening
Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently, down's syndrome, learning disability, listening, person centred planning, supportIn all parts of our lives we find systems which are meant to be helpful. Support to navigate a certain aspect or point in time. Everyone accepts that ‘the system’ is broken. But until we listen intelligently to individuals, people with...
Accelerate Action – it’s possible if we choose to act differently
Art of the Possible, Conversation, Inclusion, Thinking DifferentlyThe theme Accelerate Action coming from International Women’s Day 2025 is a powerful one. But only if we then take action on what we believe needs to change. I’ve had a wonderful couple of weeks capturing some conversations with some ama...
Solving the SEND Crisis – our opinions and evidence
Art of the Possible, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, education system, empower, inclusion, intellectual disability, learning disability, SEN, SENDThe UK Government Education Committee inquiry “will focus on how to achieve both short term stability and long-term sustainability for the SEND system to improve experiences and outcomes for children and young people.” January 2025. We h...
Eternal Opportunism
Art of the Possible, Awards, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently, art of the possible, intellectual disability, learning disability, northern power women, optimism, skiingI have a problem. I have eternal opportunism written into my DNA. My glass is (almost) always half full, because if half empty I’d have walked off the end of that metaphorical short plank a long long time ago; or as Malcolm says, i...
Thank you for being part of extraordinary lives
Art of the Possible, Awards, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently, extraordinary lives, extraordinary ordinary lives, intellectual disability, learning disability, living life, thank youWe have so much to give thanks for. So many people over the years have said “yes”, or “I don’t know but have you tried…” and supported our ambition that Jen born with Down’s syndrome, and others like her to be treated like ...
The week that was spreading joy and happiness
Art of the Possible, Awards, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, award winners, British Empire Medal, intellectual disability, learning disability, the art of the possibleThe week that was! The precursor to the eventful week anticipated! Life with and for Jen is full on in so many wonderful ways no one could ever have foreseen. As a dancer Jen has made her mark. As a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cou...
Leaders from unexpected places
Art of the Possible, Awards, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, dancesyndrome, intellectual disability, International Business Awards, leadership, learning disability, Stevie Awards, the art of the possible, Thought LeaderAwards raise profile and awareness. This is our first exposure on a global stage making the largest minority in society more visible creating increased awareness for those in the room, opening eyes to the marginalized. Intellectual...
True inclusion is endemic within your practice
Art of the Possible, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, inclusion, inclusion matters, inspiring inclusion, Jen Blackwell, the art of the possibleInclusion, or rather the lack of it as a given has been the challenge of our lives. So much lip service paid, so much time, talk and energy poured into it, so much money spent, so many claims made, about something which in essence is so ...
Holidaying Blackwell style
Inclusion, Learning Disability, Life on Sukama, Living life, Thinking Differently, carer, caring, family life, holiday, learning disability, living life, respite, support needsWhat a beautiful summer at the end of a beautiful year from nomadics living our lives of choice. I feel like the luckiest person alive as Malcolm and I celebrate 46 years of marriage. Pity about the weather! Depression after depression a...
Thought Leader Gold Award
Awards, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, award, dancesyndrome, International Business Awards, Stevies, Thought LeaderWow! I’m still stunned two weeks on to have been recognised as the Gold Award winner by the Stevie International Business Awards. On occasion awards appear out of the ether. When we enter awards, for DanceSyndrome or for Jen, it’s becaus...
Dr (h.c.) Jen Blackwell BEM
Art of the Possible, AwardsWho would have thought it was possible for someone like Jen, with a profound intellectual disability, would have been honoured with an Honorary Doctorate for her services to dance? It’s been an incredible few months since we heard, absor...
Do you see me
Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking Differently, Do you see me, intellectual disability, learning disabilityFor Learning Disability Awareness Week 2024 this question, “Do you see me?” posed by Mencap is so deep and so profound, whilst simultaneously distressing, disappointing, and painful that it even merits consideration. It is a sad travesty...
We are all different
Awards, Inclusion, Living life, News, BEM, British Empire Medal, Celebration, Jen BlackwellJust a few days ago Malcolm and I were camping with our trusty ‘big’ car tent (top left) by ourselves as it turned out, soaking up the glorious view over Lostwithiel in Devon. Whilst Jen, was loving living in style for a couple of da...
Blowing in the wind
Living life, bereavement, grief, living lifeThere are times in life you feel in control, and others where you feel powerless, inconsequential, insignificant, incapable. My nature is to be positive, driven, energetic, but just now I’m riding the roller coaster of grief after my m...
Friendships – good for our mental health
Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, friends, friendship, mental healthFriendship is something most of us take for granted. Even though I’m naturally shy and introverted, and didn’t easily make friends in the playground, preferring my own company, I now have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances around...
Changing lives one person at a time
Conversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, News, Thinking Differently, dancesyndrome, everybody matters, intellectual disability, learning disability, social careWhen the idea for gathering dancers with and without learning disabilities together to learn skills, create choreography and support each other to develop it was because nothing existed to support our daughter Jen to do what she wanted t...
Express Day 24 review
Inclusion, Learning Disability, Living life, Opportunity, Thinking Differently, community, dancers with learning disabilities, dancesyndrome, Express Day, intellectual disabilityDodging the cloud bursts we arrived at Blackburn Empire Theatre excited to watch Express 24, the annual show of the multi-faceted talented dance charity, DanceSyndrome. The Sunken Forest was an opportunity to put aside the cares of the w...
Travel offers opportunity to new adventures
Learning Disability, Living life, Thinking DifferentlyTravel – And why not? For anyone, everyone. Even those who are deemed not to be able to handle change well. Without travel doors remain closed, opportunities are denied, adventures not experienced, face to face connections have no c...
Working together
Conversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Opportunity, Thinking Differently, dancesyndrome, happiness, intellectual disability, learning disability, social care, working togetherIt’s fascinating what the two words, “working together” conjure up isn’t it? Does it really mean two or more people joining together in an equitable relationship to create something? Or does it mean that someone is wanting to do someth...
Is every relationship equitable?
Conversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, equality of opportunity, equitable, equity, fairness, intellectual disability, learning disability, relationshipsIn my experience the simple answer is no. But should every relationship always be equitable? I believe every person has the right to be seen and heard in the language appropriate to them, with every voice and person of whatever age, abil...
Ending stereotypes
Conversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, ending stereotypes, intellectual disability, learning disability, possibility, WDSD, WDSD24We don’t care that Jen has Down’s syndrome. Jen is Jen and that’s the bottom line. For Jen, celebrating all those around the world with an extra chromosome, or Trisomy 21 is important. For Jen, it’s a celebration of her and people like h...
The joy of inclusion
Conversation, Inclusion, Opportunity, Thinking Differently, inclusion, inclusive arts, inspire inclusion, opportunities for all, thinking differentlyThe joy of inclusion is something that can’t be explained. Rather it has to be experienced firsthand. It’s interesting to consider it from various angles. Here it is from the perspective of one perceptive visitor to the DanceSy...
A box of books arrived
Conversation, News, Thinking DifferentlyA box just arrived……..a box of books. Yes I’d ordered them, and yes, they’re all the same, but seeing your words in print in a proper book for the very first time is a proud moment. Really? Me? Why me? However did that ...
Inclusion is fundamental to living
Conversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, inclusion, inclusive living, inspire inclusion, inspire innovation, thinking differentlyAsking me to write about inclusion is like asking me to write about breathing. Inclusion is fundamental to living. Isn’t it! It’s normal for us humans to embrace others with a friendly smile, a hello, hug, handshake or wave – peo...
Inclusion from the bottom up
Inclusion, Learning Disability, Opportunity, Thinking Differently, inclusion, inspire inclusion, learning disabilityIf all humans are to be afforded the respect and opportunities that they deserve, we have to learn how to live differently and embrace people from all walks of life – inclusion from the bottom up. Perhaps it’s easier to look at inclusi...
A wander down memory lane
Conversation, Learning Disability, art of the possible, development, intellectual disability, learning disability, life lessonsThis weekend saw me dive into files I’ve not looked at for years. Photos, articles, letters of support all focused on the Art of the Possible, even one from my old music teacher at school, then the deputy head with whom my relationsh...
An issue of identity
Awards, Conversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, conversations that matter, identity, learning disabilityIssues of Identity impact all of us. ‘What makes you you? How did you become the person you are? What defines you? How do others regard you? Do you have a label? And more importantly, do you wear your label with pride? Are you ...
Being a Disruptor for Good
Awards, Learning Disability, News, Thinking Differently, disruptor for good, learning disability, northern power women, thinking differentlyI’m honoured and astounded to have been shortlisted for the Northern Power Women Awards, Disruptor for Good. It seems unbelievable to be recognised for doing something that has simply been part of who I am, and who we are as the Blackwel...
Manifesto: Rediscovering humanity through humility
Conversation, Inclusion, Thinking Differently, humanity, manifesto for changeI believe that world changing action will only result when all sectors of society are given license and opportunity to be heard, not just the educated or elite. Because everybody matters. I speak personally and passionately from an ext...
If it needs doing…
Inclusion, Learning Disability, News, Thinking Differently, everybody matters, inclusive dance, learning disability, professional dance, thinking differentlyAs we reflect on some incredible things that have happened these past few months, I wanted to share this brilliant article that was first published in the Winter 2023 edition of Animated, and is reproduced by permission of People Danci...
The last 12 months of an extraordinary ordinary life
Learning Disability, Opportunity, Thinking Differently, extraordinary ordinary lives, learning disability, possibility, thinking differentlyFor us it’s normal. It’s what we do, it’s who we are. For others who know what it’s like to live with a learning disability, or care for and support someone with a learning disability it, we’re told it’s an extraordinary ordinary life. J...
The journey of inclusion
Conversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, inclusion, Take Action Make Impact, thinking differentlyWe are all on a journey through life. Inclusion, or the lack of, affects every person in different ways, likewise social exclusion which can be a lonely life sentence where the recipient is deemed guilty without trial and having commit...
The business of changing lives with DanceSyndrome
Conversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, business, changing lives, innovation, thinking differently, Training, transform futuresWe’re in the business of changing lives. Ever since our daughter was written off at birth as having nothing to offer society we’ve not stopped changing perceptions of what’s possible. Earlier this year she received a British Empire Medal...
Putting the care back into social care isn’t difficult
Conversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, caring, kindness, learning disability, listening, social careI’m no psychologist but why on earth do we continue to give people with learning disabilities and their families such an incredibly tough time? Most people with learning disabilities are born with learning disabilities. Others acquir...
What does freedom mean to you?
Conversation, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking DifferentlyFor most of us freedom is taken as a given. It is assumed that unless you have committed offences punishable by imprisonment, that we are free to be our own person. If we accept that every person is a human being with equal human rights,...
Co-production – a long and winding road towards undreamt riches!
Carers, Inclusion, Learning Disability, Thinking Differently, co-production, innovation, learning disability, parenting, thinking differentlyWithout realising it, it seems that Malcolm and I have been practicing co-production all our lives, supporting each other to be the best that we can be. With the arrival of Jen and her unexpected learning disabilities in the form of Down...
Open letter to Gamechanger recently in Taransay
Life on Sukama, Opportunity, gamechanger, sukama, taransayWe found ourselves neighbours with the boat Gamechanger in the stunning Taransay Sound for a couple of nights recently. Chartered through Yacht Charter Fleet, and seen by many in the area, as reported in the Greenock Telegraph, we’d like...
Achieve, smashing misconceptions
Awards, Conversation, Inclusion, Opportunity, jen blackwell bem, LDweek, learning disability, parenting, sue blackwellThis week is Learning Disability Awareness week, with the theme “Achieve, smashing misconceptions”. National charity Mencap are leading the way in busting myths about people with learning disabilities, sharing brilliant stories. We all h...
King’s Birthday honour for Jen Blackwell BEM
Awards, News, award, BEM, honour, Jen BlackwellWe’re beyond amazed at the huge honour Jen has received, being recognized for her services to Disabled People in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2023 with a British Empire Medal (BEM). Jen, who has Down’s syndrome, has captured hearts...
Opportunism
Carers, Inclusion, Opportunity, 3rd way, carers, opportunity, social careSo following #Carersweek, what’s changed? Has the government heard the plea for help from family carers crying out for better support or from MP Caroline Dinenage who held a debate in the House of Commons last week? Carers need help ...